FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING: Steinert beats Hightstown for first time in school history

WEST WINDSOR -- Mike Makovec wasn't going to be content with just a tie this year.

The Steinert goalie stopped 24 shots to lead the Spartans over Hightstown, 4-1, yesterday. It was the first time in school history that Steinert defeated the Rams.

Last year, Steinert earned a hard-fought tie with Hightstown. But this improved Spartans' squad wasn't going to be satisfied with anything less than a victory.

"This was the first time we beat them. It feels awesome," said Makovec, a senior. "Everyone really wanted this. For the seniors, we felt that this was our last chance at beating Hightstown unless we meet in the Mercer County Tournament. This should also bring up the team morale. But we need to keep it up. We can't stop now."

Steinert coach Bill James said this is one of the biggest -- if not THE biggest -- victory in the history of the program.

"They're (Hightstown) a quality program that we've never beaten until this year," said James. "We played quality hockey, we put a lot of pressure on them defensively, and we were able to get out to a quick lead. Usually we let teams get up on us, but for a change we got up on them. This was just a real big win for us."

Offensively, Steinert was led by sophomore Mike Ruppert (2 goals, 1 assist) and junior Frank Doroba (1 goal, 3 assists). Junior David Stout also notched a late goal in his second game back from an injury.

"Stoutplayed a great game," said James. "I was really happy with him. It's nice to have him back because he plays both ends of the ice, he kills penalties, and he always gives 150 percent. The goal he scored was just icing on the cake for him."

Steinert found the back of the net just 35 seconds into the game when Doroba tipped in a slapshot from senior defenseman Ryan DeClerico.

Not even a minute later, junior defenseman Jay Rizzo blasted a shot from the point that slipped through the pads of Hightstown goalie Dale Sokol and across the goal line. The referees, however, said the puck never completely crossed the line and waved off the score.

The Spartans, though, didn't lose their momentum. And at the 10:43 mark, Ruppert notched his first goal of the game to make it 2-0.

Steinert's defense then took over in the second period, killing off a two minute 5-on-3 for Hightstown. Not once in that span did the Spartan D allow the Rams to get a second shot on Makovec.

"Michael played well," said James. "He made a lot of nice saves, and his defenseman also did a nice job. I don't think Hightstown got any rebounds."

Steinert put the game further out of reach on Ruppert's second goal of the game with 8:29 left in the second period. And Stout's goal, just four minutes later, took the last wind out of the Rams.

"We came out flying in the first period, and we didn't let up at all," said Stout. "We just kept going."

Though this was no doubt a huge victory for Steinert, James wants his players to avoid being overconfident.

"They have to remember," said James, "that one game does not make a season."

NOTRE DAME 8, EWING 4: WEST WINDSOR -- Tom Stronski had a goal and an assist to lead the Irish's well-balanced attack. With 185 points, the ND junior moved into eighth place on the all-time CVC scoring list.

WEST WINDSOR-PLAINSBORO NORTH 3, SOUTH BRUNSWICK 3: MONMOUTH JCT. -- Nick Cream paced North with a goal and a pair of assists. John Boyle and Shawn Collins added a goal and a helper each for the Knights. South Brunswick's attack was fueled by Chris Castagnola's goal and two assists.

HILL 7, PDS 3: PRINCETON -- Ian Andreotta had a pair of goals for the Panthers.

NOTTINGHAM 9, PENNINGTON 2: HAMILTON -- Jeff Stackhouse powered the Northstars with four goals and two assists. Dan Burnston added a hat trick and three assists for Nottingham, which reached the .500 mark.

WEST WINDSOR-PLAINSBORO SOUTH 10, LAWRENCE 0: WEST WINDSOR -- Adam Perry scored five goals and added an assist to lead the Pirates.

PRINCETON 12, HAMILTON 2: WEST WINDSOR -- Kevin Kovacks, Kevan Graydon and Jason Diamond each scored two goals for the Little Tigers. Kyle Hanson chipped in with a goal and an assists in his first game back since having major surgery.